IMD Issues Yellow and Orange Alerts for Assam: Heavy Rainfall Expected from October 1-5, 2024
Guwahati: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow and orange alerts across Assam, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall between October 1 and October 5, 2024. The alerts come as part of a broader weather warning system following the formation of a cyclonic circulation over northeast Assam. The weather system extends up to 4.5 km above sea level, coupled with strong south and southwesterly winds bringing significant moisture from the Bay of Bengal.
This combination of meteorological factors is set to intensify rainfall throughout Assam, with many districts expected to experience severe downpours. The IMD’s alerts raise concerns about possible flooding, landslides in hilly areas, waterlogging, and crop damage in affected regions. In the last 24 hours, several districts recorded substantial rainfall, highlighting the severity of the ongoing weather activity.
The Barpeta Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Automatic Weather Station logged 19 cm of rainfall, while Dhekiajuli in Sonitpur district recorded 18 cm. Other regions reported rainfall amounts ranging from 7 cm to 17 cm. These figures underscore the immediate impacts of the intensified rain, and further heavy downpours are anticipated in the days ahead.
The IMD has provided specific warnings for the districts expected to face significant rain during the forecast period:
– October 1, 2024: Moderate rainfall is expected across most areas, with isolated heavy rains in Dhubri, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Kamrup (R), West Karbi Anglong, Karbi Anglong, Biswanath, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Jorhat, Sibsagar, Charaideo, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Dima Hasao, Cachar, and Karimganj. Thunderstorms and lightning may accompany the rain.
– October 2, 2024: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in Cachar and Karimganj, while districts such as Dhubri, Goalpara, Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Nagaon, Hojai, West Karbi Anglong, Karbi Anglong, Golaghat, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, and Dima Hasao may experience moderate rainfall with isolated heavy showers.
– October 3, 2024: Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Nagaon, and Sonitpur districts are expected to receive heavy rain, while moderate rainfall is likely in Goalpara, Barpeta, Nalbari, Morigaon, Biswanath, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Tinsukia, Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj.
– October 4, 2024: Isolated heavy rainfall is projected for Goalpara, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Barpeta, Bajali, Hojai, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, and Tinsukia, with moderate showers in other regions.
– October 5, 2024: Bongaigaon, Golaghat, Biswanath, Lakhimpur, and Dhemaji are likely to experience isolated heavy rain, while moderate rainfall will be seen across several regions.
The IMD has cautioned residents to prepare for the potential impacts of these weather conditions. Authorities are urging people to remain alert and take necessary precautions. Some of the expected effects include:
– Reduced visibility due to intense rain.
– Temporary disruptions in traffic caused by waterlogging and fallen trees.
– Damage to kutcha (temporary or unpaved) roads.
– Risk to vulnerable structures and buildings.
– Waterlogging in low-lying areas, especially urban centers.
– Increased risk of landslides in certain hilly regions.
– Damage to standing crops and vegetables, particularly those at the maturity stage.
– Danger from lightning strikes, which could pose a threat to lives and property.
In the past 24 hours, several regions in Assam have experienced significant rainfall:
– Barpeta Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) AWS: 19 cm
– Dhekiajuli (Sonitpur): 18 cm
– Other districts: Rainfall ranging from 7 cm to 17 cm
These figures highlight the already high levels of rain activity in the state, and with more forecasted rain, there are increasing concerns about potential flooding, property damage, and agricultural losses.
With heavy rains forecasted, the risk of flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in hilly regions remains high. The IMD advises residents to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and stay indoors when lightning occurs. Additionally, farmers are encouraged to secure crops that may be at risk of damage from the rains.
As the state braces for more downpours, authorities are likely to monitor the situation closely and respond to any emergencies that may arise. Assam’s disaster management teams are also expected to be on alert to provide relief and assistance to affected communities.
The IMD’s yellow and orange alerts highlight the potential for severe weather in Assam over the coming days. With the risk of heavy rainfall, flooding, and other related hazards, residents are urged to remain vigilant and heed the advice of local authorities to minimize the risks posed by these intense weather conditions.
Also read: Karimganj Police Seizes Heroin in Anti-Narcotics Operation
